Our festival was at a really neat venue in Panama City, and we had a wonderful time. We saw Jamie Grace, Peter Furler, Family Force 5, Switchfoot, and (the highlight for me) Toby Mac. They were all good, but Toby Mac was definitely my favorite. Here are pictures.
Also, the Big Man did inventory at work tonight, so he had to spend time in the freezer. He sent a picture of himself dressed for the cold.
Today was my first day back at work. I really enjoyed it. It's so great being back there. We had a wonderful and long summer, and we're ready to go back. MK likes most of her schedule, and T. Willy's teacher comes with high recommendations. I'm teaching English, my first love in education; we are looking forward to a great year!!!
There was an arts festival in our little town tonight. We had a great time walking around and sampling some local foods and listening to music. MK was able to catch up with friends she has missed since we were away.
She also debuted her new shirt, so here is a picture.
On our way home, the Big Man surprised us with a trip to my favorite place for lunch in Birmingham. If you know me, you'll know that's Cheesecake Factory! I had the same thing I always have, and I loved it!! Thank you, Big Man!!!
We are unpacked; laundry is going, and it is good to be home!
For our last activity we played mini-golf. It was really fun (and I'm not just saying that because I won!) We all did really well. Before we went, the Big Man offered $10 to anyone who made a hole-in-one. I made two, but I only took $10 for one, because the second happened when my ball was bumped. T. Willy also earned $10! He is saving his, but we were all hot and thirsty after golfing, so I spent mine on Icees. They hit the spot!
Now we are back at the cabin. We'll get up early and clean up then get on the road.
This trip exceeded my expectations! We have had so much fun. T. Willy was saying how sad he was to leave Tennessee, but I said that while we've had fun here, we're taking the best part home - our family. It sounds corny, but I truly mean it. Everything we did was a blast because we did it together. The kids were great and adventurous even when they didn't think they would be, and the Big Man made everything fun. He is a great navigator and had really good ideas. I will be forever thankful that we had this time to reconnect and make memories!
MK led the way; she is so brave! The Big Man and I took turns riding with her and watching T. Willy. MK even sat with him while the Big Man and I had an adventure. I nearly chickened out, but I did it, and it was fun. T. Willy rode several things that he said he wouldn't and liked all but one. We found Dollywood to be a really family friendly place. People were so nice, and we are exhausted. We're back at the cabin for awhile, then we may do some shopping later.
After that we went to the Titanic Museum. We learned a lot, and they had some really neat hands-on exhibits.
We spent the afternoon enjoying the cabin, then we went to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and drove and drove. We stopped along the road and walked in a creek which has been my favorite thing so far. The water was cold and felt great, and we were all adventurous.
I can't describe how much fun we're having...not just the sights and activities...just spending time and doing it all together - not thinking about work or school for awhile. Bliss.
